Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Stamford is 62% more expensive than Manchester.

$2,207/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 34%
$107,474/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 28%
$614,300 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 45%
$2,358/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 34%
135,806
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
0%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $742/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $8,904/year.

Median household income is $30,059/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Manchester — common questions

Is Stamford or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Manchester?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $742/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Manchester?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $30,059/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and New Hampshire?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

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